Lithuania’s blend of medieval history, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant culture makes it a captivating destination, where understanding payments and currency ensures a smooth trip. Whether you’re exploring Vilnius’s charming Old Town, relaxing along the Curonian Spit, or experiencing Lithuania’s thriving café culture, this guide covers everything you need to know—what currency to bring, the best ways to get money and currency in Lithuania (Euro (EUR)), cash safety tips, and essential dos and don’ts. With these insights, you’ll avoid unnecessary fees and fully enjoy Lithuania’s rich heritage and modern charm.
How to pay in Lithuania – cash or card?
In Lithuania, both cash and card payments are widely accepted, with a significant portion of transactions conducted in cash. The official currency is the Euro (€).
You can use cash for:
Small Businesses and Local Markets: While many establishments accept cards, some smaller shops and market vendors may prefer cash transactions.
Public Transportation: Certain local transport services might require cash payments.
Tips and Gratuities: Although tipping is not obligatory, offering tips in cash is customary for exceptional service.
You can use card for:
Hotels and Resorts: Major accommodations widely accept credit and debit cards.
Restaurants and Cafés: Most dining establishments, especially in urban areas, facilitate card payments.
Retail Stores: Shopping centers and supermarkets commonly accept card payments.
Tourist Attractions: Many museums and historic sites offer card payment options for entrance fees.
Tours and Activities: Established tour operators typically accept card payments.
In summary, while both cash and card payments are prevalent in Lithuania, carrying some cash is advisable for transactions in smaller establishments or situations where card payments may not be feasible.
What’s the best currency to take to Lithuania
Euro (EUR) is typically the best currency to take if you are traveling to Lithuania. Paying or withdrawing cash in the local currency comes with the least amount of fees, sometimes fee-free too.
While credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially in urban areas, some rural regions and smaller establishments may prefer cash payments. Therefore, it’s advisable to carry some Euros in cash to avoid inconveniences.
Other currencies, such as US Dollars or British Pounds, are not widely accepted here.
Where to get currency in Lithuania
There are 3 main ways to get cash in Lithuania. They are:
- ATMs, or
- Currency exchange, or
- Money transfer & local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe in Lithuania
Visa and Mastercard transactions are commonly accepted for swiping. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs in Lithuania
If you’re withdrawing money in Lithuania from an ATM, ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro cards. Some of them accept Plus, Cirrus, and American Express cards. Others like JCB, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
Should I exchange currency before travelling to Lithuania
For those who come from European countries, there is no need to exchange money before traveling to Lithuania, as the country uses the Euro (EUR). If you already have Euros, you can use them immediately upon arrival.
For others, you can easily use ATMs to get Euros as they are widely available in airports, cities, and tourist areas, and they accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, and Plus cards. Withdrawing EUR from ATMs in Lithuania is often more cost-effective than exchanging currency in advance. However, check with your bank for international withdrawal fees.
If you need to exchange cash, it’s best to do so at banks or licensed exchange bureaus in the city, as they offer better rates than airports or hotels.
Carry a mix of cash and cards. Shops, restaurants can accept card payments but having some cash can be useful for small purchases, markets, or rural areas.
Where to withdraw money in Lithuania
You can withdraw money in Lithuania at leading bank ATMs in the country. The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Lithuania are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Swedbank,
- SEB,
- Luminor,
- Siauliu Bank, and
- Citadele.
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
There are no known Global ATM Alliance member banks or All Points network banks in Lithuania.
Where to exchange currency in Lithuania
You can exchange currency in Lithuania at licensed currency exchange offices and banks branches.
- Currency Exchange Offices: Licensed operators, such as Valiuta24 are common in most touristic spots. Currency exchange services are also available at major transportation hubs. For example, Vilnius Train Station hosts an ExchangeLT office.
- Bank of Lithuania Cash Offices: The central bank operates cash offices in major cities like Vilnius, Kaunas. These offices also provide services such as exchanging worn or damaged euro banknotes and coins, exchanging euro banknotes into different denominations, and selling numismatic items.
- Commercial Banks: Banks like Šiaulių Bankas offer currency exchange services.
You can find good currency exchanges in Lithuania using the ATM Fee Saver app—it will guide you to the nearest currency exchange on the map. The app helps you with forex places in 100+ countries, including Lithuania.
Avoid Airport Exchanges and no-fee exchange offices: Currency exchange services at airports often have less favorable rates and higher fees. It’s generally better to exchange money in the city for better rates and lower charges.
Is carrying cash in Lithuania safe?
Carrying cash in Lithuania is generally safe, but standard precautions are advisable. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur, particularly in crowded areas and tourist spots. As of November 1, 2022, Lithuania implemented a law restricting cash payments exceeding €5,000. This limit applies to both residents and non-residents, and splitting transactions to circumvent this restriction is prohibited. Also when entering or leaving Lithuania with cash amounts of €10,000 or more (or the equivalent in other currencies), you are required to declare it to customs authorities. Failure to do so can lead to penalties, including fines and confiscation of the undeclared amount.
Safety Tips:
- Carry minimal cash: Given the widespread acceptance of credit and debit cards, it’s advisable to carry only the cash you need for daily expenses.
- Use secure storage: Keep valuables, including passports and large sums of money, in a hotel safe or another secure location.
- Be discreet: Avoid displaying cash and valuable items in public.
- Stay vigilant: Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in Lithuania
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
